Chapter Five #2
Mr. Collins blanched. Apparently, George had struck a nerve.
“What am I to do?” Collins asked, the words tumbling forth in panic.
“I have been courting Miss Elizabeth since my arrival. I cannot propose to her now. You are very correct. Lady Catherine would never approve! Who should I approach? I cannot go back to Kent without securing a wife. Lady Catherine would be furious!”
With the second set approaching fast and the conversation dragging on, Wickham’s eyes scanned the room looking for his partner. Miss King stood near Miss Charlotte Lucas, speaking animatedly about something.
“You must assist me!” Collins’ voice intruded into Wickham’s thoughts when George didn’t answer his entreaties. “I must have a name. You have always been my friend and advisor and I know that you will have an answer. Who should I consider to be my bride?”
Impatient to bring the conversation to an end, George latched onto the first name he could think of. “Miss Charlotte Lucas seems a good sort of lady,” he said. “Someone of her caliber and temperament would be a good choice.”
Mr. Collins nodded, his face relaxing. “Thank you, my friend. I am filled with immeasurable gratitude at your beneficence. I am ever in your debt.”
George was only half listening at this point. He absentmindedly nodded to Collins and excused himself to retrieve his partner.
George enjoyed his dance with Miss King immensely. She was light on her feet and a pleasing conversationalist. It was somewhat surprising to see Collins standing up with Miss Lucas in the same set. Unfortunately, Collins’ performance in this set was no better than his dance with Miss Elizabeth.
George danced the third with Lydia Bennet.
The girl had maneuvered their short discussion between the dances in such a way that he was compelled to ask for the set.
She preened at the attention, simpering and flirting through the whole set.
Honestly, Miss Lydia was a comely girl, but she lacked the proper manners for society.
Given some maturity and direction, George might consider her worth pursuing someday.
Sir William approached George before the fourth set started and engaged him in conversation. It was while they spoke that Wickham noticed something quite shocking.
Darcy was dancing. Darcy did not dance. His friend detested the activity unless he knew his partner well and could be ensured of stimulating conversation. Yet there he was, dancing across the floor with Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
The couple appeared to be conversing amicably, though there was tension around Miss Elizabeth’s eyes that spoke to a great effort to remain civil.
The couple neared Wickham and Sir William as the latter had excused himself to cross the room.
On perceiving Mr. Darcy, Sir William stopped with a bow of superior courtesy to compliment him on his dancing and his partner.
"I have been most highly gratified indeed, my dear sir. Such very superior dancing is not often seen. It is evident that you belong to the first circles. Allow me to say, however, that your fair partner does not disgrace you. I must hope to have this pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear Eliza–” Sir William paused to glance at Miss Bennet and Bingley – “shall take place.
What congratulations will then flow in! I appeal to Mr. Darcy: —but let me not interrupt you, sir.
You will not thank me for detaining you from the bewitching converse of that young lady, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me. "
Mr. Wickham watched the exchange with interest. The latter part of this address seemed scarcely heard by Darcy; but Sir William's allusion to Bingley seemed to strike George’s friend forcibly, and his eyes were directed with a very serious expression towards Bingley and Jane, who were dancing together.
Recovering himself, however, shortly, he turned to his partner, and said, "Sir William's interruption has made me forget of what we were speaking. "
The pair resumed their dance as George watched in interest. It was completely unlike Darcy to single out a lady, particularly one perceived as so far beneath him.
As they performed the movements, Darcy’s eyes rarely left Miss Elizabeth’s face and when they did, they strayed to Miss Bennet and Bingley.
Though Darcy was excellent at masking his expressions, George could read the consternation and disapproval in his friend’s looks.
The set ended and the couples left the floor.
Bingley and Miss Bennet stood conversing for some minutes before Bingley led Miss Bennet to a set of doors that went out onto the terrace.
Wickham was near enough to hear him say he would return with refreshments in a moment.
Miss Bennet smiled and nodded. She wandered dreamily out into the night air as Bingley attempted to navigate the crowded ballroom.
Every two or three steps the poor man was detained.
Darcy had positioned himself on a nearby wall and was scowling. Wickham could almost see his friend’s thoughts. Darcy was watching as Bingley attempted to cross the room and one could almost see the cogs turning in his brain. Wickham quietly walked over and stood next to his friend.
“Do not do it, Darcy,” he said quietly.
“I do not know what you mean,” Darcy said evasively.
Wickham scoffed quietly. “I know you better than anyone,” he said. “You told me that yourself not more than a week ago. I can see where your thoughts are leading. Would you really destroy the happiness of your best friend?”
“Bingley falls in and out of love easily,” Darcy said dismissively. “He is once again enthralled with a pretty face. I would remove him for his own sake. His honor is not yet engaged but shall be soon if I do nothing.”
“And what of Miss Bennet?” Wickham asked.
“She smiles too much,” was the reply.
“Smiling too much is hardly a crime!” cried George.
“It is not just that,” Darcy said. “She shares the same smile with everyone she speaks with. Bingley is not singled out in any way. It is clear that she holds him in no greater esteem than…than… Sir William Lucas!”
“If that is your opinion then you are not paying enough attention,” George replied.
“I have watched them most carefully-” Darcy started to argue.
“Then you are looking but not seeing,” George interrupted.
“A proper lady does not openly display her feelings before the gentleman has declared himself. Miss Bennet appears to be all that is proper. If you are truly seeing her, however, there are signs that she is very much in love with your friend Bingley.”
“You have been in the area scarcely a week,” Darcy said in frustration. “I believe I am a better judge in this situation than you.”
“That may be the case, my friend,” George said. “But I beg of you again, do not do it. Do not act on the thoughts going through your mind. To separate a young couple in love is the greatest of crimes.”
“And I say there is no evidence of attachment on the part of Miss Bennet,” Darcy replied in frustration. “I will not have my friend trapped in a loveless marriage to a fortune hunter. I will do as I see necessary and nothing less.” Darcy bowed sharply to George before striding off across the room.
George feared for what damage his friend’s officious actions might cause if Darcy proceeded on his chosen course of action.
Remembering the vow he had made many years ago to be as true a friend to Darcy as Darcy had been to him, George decided to intervene before Darcy did something he would later regret.
Bingley was making his way back across the room with two glasses in hand. Thankfully he was not being detained any longer. George moved to intercept him before Bingley made it out onto the terrace.
“Bingley!” he cried. “What a splendid evening. I must thank you for my share of the enjoyment.”
“Erm, yes. You are welcome,” Bingley said, looking over George’s shoulder. “Wickham, is it?”
“Indeed,” George smiled. “And may I say, you look especially pleased with the events of the evening. Tell me, when am I to wish you joy? Miss Bennet is a wonderful young lady.”
The tips of Bingley’s ears went red, and he stammered a reply. “Oh,” said he. “There is nothing yet to be celebrated. I had hoped that Miss Bennet… but I am no good at reading people. I am told I see the absolute best in everyone.”
“I should say it is abundantly clear that Miss Bennet favors you, if that is to what you refer,” George said pleasantly.
“Do you really think so?” Bingley said eagerly. “My sisters have told me that Miss Bennet holds me in no more esteem than she does anyone she associates with. They are much more experienced in how women think, after all.”
Wickham followed Bingley’s gaze across the room where Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley stood conversing. He recognized the pair from the receiving line, and the look on the sisters’ faces was not pleasant.
“They do not seem to be enjoying themselves,” Wickham ventured to say.
“They do not particularly like being here in the country,” said Bingley dejectedly. “It is not refined enough for them.”
“And knowing this, you still put such weight in their opinions of Miss Bennet? Miss Bennet lives in the country, after all.”
The look on Bingley’s face spoke of his understanding of Wickham’s words. “Then you think she would have a favorable response should I approach her?” he asked.
“I think you would not be disappointed in her reply,” Wickham replied.
“Then I will speak to her!” cried Bingley. “I must go to town on business tomorrow but when I return–”
“Why wait?” Wickham interrupted. “Why leave your lady love in any doubt before you hie off to London? What if you should be detained?” Wickham could not let Bingley leave for town without speaking to Miss Bennet.
Darcy would follow his friend and use that time to convince Bingley that his lady did not care for him.
Bingley looked rather comical as he mulled over Wickham’s words. A grin spread across his face, and he smiled.
“You will excuse me, Mr. Wickham,” he said. “I find myself in need of some fresh air.” Bingley strode with purpose out the terrace doors where he joined Miss Bennet in looking up at the night sky.
“Well,” Mr. Wickham said to himself. “I have come this far. I may as well listen in.”
George moved toward the terrace doors, careful to be close enough to hear Bingley’s words, but not be seen.
“Miss Bennet,” Bingley began speaking before trailing off. “I… dash it all, I am not an eloquent man who can conjure up flowery speeches. I have not the talent for it. I hope you will forgive the words of a bumbling fool.”
Miss Bennet must have beckoned Bingley to continue because the man spoke again.
“These past weeks in Meryton have been the happiest of my life, Miss Bennet. I believe that is largely because I have come to know you. You are the most amiable lady of my acquaintance. You are kind to everyone you meet and have not a sour word to say about anyone. You are an angel, and I find myself very much in love with you. Will you consent to be my wife and companion, to share my life with me?”
Wickham heard a gasp and a firm “yes” from Miss Bennet before he backed slowly away from the terrace doors and into the ballroom. He grinned to himself before a voice from behind him caused him to jump.
“That was well done, Mr. Wickham,” Miss Elizabeth said.
“I do not know what you mean, madam,” Mr. Wickham said with an air of innocence.
“You may deny it all you wish, sir, but I heard your conversation with Mr. Darcy.”
“Oh? And what did you hear?” Mr. Wickham said.
“You advised Mr. Darcy not to separate my sister and Mr. Bingley,” Miss Elizabeth replied.
“I know that we Bennets are not of the first circles, but we are still landed gentry, where Mr. Bingley is not. Jane is Mr. Bingley’s superior in society in every way.
How can you now defend him after such a conversation? ”
“You did not hear the entirety of the exchange, I take it.” Wickham replied.
Miss Elizabeth blushed and glanced away, confirming Wickham’s supposition.
Wickham sighed. His work to change the lady’s opinion of his friend had been undone in an instant. Wickham suspected that Darcy was interested in Miss Elizabeth and her views of his friend would not help Darcy’s suit, should the man choose to pursue his feelings.
“Miss Elizabeth,” Wickham said, “had you heard the entire conversation, you would be aware that Darcy was concerned for his friend’s felicity in marriage beyond all things.
Bingley, it seems, tends to fall in and out of love rapidly, and Darcy was concerned that Miss Bennet did not love his friend as she should.
I would say this makes Darcy a faithful friend rather than a tyrant. ”
“It is not his place to determine my sister’s feelings, or lack thereof,” Miss Elizabeth said hotly.
“You are correct, and I tried to tell him that. But Darcy’s opinions can be unshakeable, much like your own.”
Miss Elizabeth seemed to bristle at being so compared to Darcy. She pursed her lips, thinking before she replied.
“Your loyalty to your friend is admirable. I do thank you for preventing Jane’s heartbreak.
She would not have recovered from the disappointment easily.
As for your friend’s interference, even if it would have been kindly meant, it would not have been appreciated.
I find I cannot like Mr. Darcy, for all the praises you have sung him. ”
Miss Elizabeth turned to walk away. Wickham only had a moment to make a decision. He chose to intervene again.
“Darcy admires you,” he called quietly.
Miss Bennet froze. She turned and met his eyes, one eyebrow raising as she looked at him.
“I have known Darcy since childhood, a far longer time than you yourself have had the privilege. You heard me speak to him of it. I can tell you now, my friend admires you greatly. What I do not know is if he will throw off the expectations that have been ingrained in him since he was in leading strings to pursue your affections.”
“You are mad,” Elizabeth said, though with some uncertainty. “Mr. Darcy could not admire one he finds only tolerable.”
“Oh, I assure you, Darcy finds you much more than tolerable. We shall have to see what he chooses to do with his admiration.”
Miss Elizabeth shook her head in disbelief and walked away. George Wickham ran a hand over his face. He sincerely hoped he had not just made a mistake.